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Finding a middle ground in Cornelius

Two years after pulling the gravel out from under Cornelius' efforts to expand its manufacturing base, Metro seems poised to give city officials a second chance. No one at the regional planning agency is promising that things will turn out differently this time, but thanks to Metro Councilor Kathryn Harrington, the city should be able to again make a pitch for extending the Urban Growth Boundary on the city's north side to allow for an industrial park. (See Christian Gaston's story on page 1A.)

Cornelius has long sought to reduce its reliance on residential property taxes and user fees by bringing industrial employers to town. It thought it had the go-ahead to create a business park two years ago when, at the last minute, Metro councilors shot down the proposal after hearing concerns from farmers and land-use activists.

Cornelius officials say they've addressed those worries and, thanks to Harrington, will now be able to try again.